Directions

Step 1

Print out the Bubble Guppies Backdrops to decorate the inside of the shoe box.<br><br>
If the box has a lid, fold the lid back and staple it to the bottom of the shoe box. The lid should serve as a platform, raising the box off the table.<br><br>
Parents: Carefully cut a narrow slit along the box's bottom with a serrated knife or box cutter. The slit should be about 1 inch from either side of the box. This slit is what your kids will use to slide the puppets through so make sure the slit is made near the front of the box.

Step 2

Help your child cut out the backdrop to fit the box and all other decorations. Use the photo for a guide as you help your child decorate the box.<br><br>
Use construction paper to cover the top and sides of the box.

Step 3

Print the Bubble Guppies Puppets and help your child cut them out. Glue or tape the characters to craft sticks (or Popsicle sticks, pencils, chopsticks). Now your child has puppets and can put on a show in the shoebox theater!

Step 4 (Optional)

A fun way for your child to prop up the puppets is to use an egg carton! To do this, cut the lid off an egg carton then cut the egg carton lengthwise into two long 6-cup rows. Turn all the egg cup sections upside down so the open ends are faced down. Cut a small slit in the top of each egg cup, wide enough to fit the Popsicle stick, pencils or chopsticks. Then slide the puppet into the slit. Now you've got standing puppets!

Tip: Didn't use a box with an attached lid? No problem! Simply place the box on a table so the slit hangs over the table. For added stability, you can use a loop of sticky tape to secure the box to the table. Kids can then slide the puppets up through the slit to put on a show!